Lab Assistant (Specimen Technician III)

Quest Diagnostics·Murfreesboro, Tennessee

$17 - $25/hrFull Time On Site 0-2 yrsPosted 25 days ago

Practice for this role

Lab Assistant (Specimen Technician III) · $17 - $25/hr

How this role compares

Computed from live listings

-43% vs. median posted rate for healthcare roles in Murfreesboro, Tennessee ($29.50/hr, n=68)

62 days median time this employer’s postings stay open (last 90 days)

$4.50/hr · p10p90 · $300/hr

this role: $16.69/hrmedian $29.50/hr

Shaded band: the middle 50% of 68 posted healthcare roles in Murfreesboro, Tennessee rates. This role sits in the 23rd percentile.

About the role

Pay for this role is about 43% below the Murfreesboro, Tennessee median for similar positions.

The role involves performing complex specimen processing tasks including microbiology and cytology, while ensuring high accuracy in test ordering and compliance. The technician will also handle client communications, internal training, and problem-solving for special accounts.

Lab Assistant (Specimen Technician III) - Murfreesboro, TN, Monday to Friday, 8

00
AM to 5:00
PM
Pay range: $17.75+ per hour Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits information: We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include: Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours Best-in-class well-being programs Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness® healthyMINDS mental health program Vacation and Health/Flex Time 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off FinFit financial coaching and services 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service Employee stock purchase plan Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option Flexible Spending Accounts Annual incentive plans Matching gifts program Education assistance through MyQuest for Education Career advancement opportunities and so much more! This position has mastered all duties of the Specimen Processing Technician II. Work is highly self-directed, and role may include additional responsibilities such as client communications, internal training and problem solving related to special accounts and compliance. This individual will have completed the necessary training consistent with local business practices for Specimen Processing. Strong proficiency is required in test ordering policy and specimen requirements related to test ordering as well as accuracy and production standards. This position will be more involved in complex processing including but not limited to: Microbiology processing, Frozen splits, Send outs, Cytology processing, irreplaceable specimens (spinal fluid, bone marrow, etc.); Special handling; allergies; serial; pediatric specimens.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates proficiency in responsibilities of the SPT II and understanding of all job duties and SOP’s related to the Specimen Processing department Demonstrates knowledge and understanding available resources to fill in for any function within the Specimen Processing department as necessary Demonstrates a thorough understanding of how Specimen Processing impacts the testing laboratory Identifies problems and in some cases, may resolve issues with specimen types such as missing information etc. Demonstrates an understanding of the compliance policies related to test ordering, which requires developing the ability to research test ordering information on translation tables, computer systems, and the directory of services Understands the complex relationship between test(s) ordered and specimen received Completes all required documentation, legibly and within the assigned timeframe Meets standards for production and accuracy within 3 months Validates and verifies orders for other employees May assist in training employees in any Specimen Processing job function and may provide ongoing training Adheres to all Quest Diagnostics policies and procedures, including Safety and Compliance Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

" Required Work Experience: Internal candidates must have a minimum of 9 months experience and be meeting all performance standards in the SPT II role Preferred Work Experience: Medical background preferred which includes medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory Previous experience in a production environment preferred Physical and Mental Requirements: Position requires data background with abilities to enter 6,000 alphanumeric keystrokes/hour Works in a biohazard environment, practicing good safety habits Able to sit or stand for long periods Handles multiple tasks simultaneously and works in a production environment Skills: PC skills in MS office applications Communicates effectively with all levels of internal and external staff Maintains composure while working under pressure Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills that fosters a positive attitude at all times Demonstrates flexibility and is able to adapt to changes in work assignments Demonstrates strong leadership and ability to resolve complex Specimen Processing related questions/issues Education High School Diploma or Equivalent (Preferred) Pursuant to code CA BPC 1269 under CLIA, any lab releasing results for California work must have at least a High School Diploma or equivalent.

Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.

While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.

Requirements

Candidates must have at least 9 months of experience in a similar role and the ability to enter 6,000 alphanumeric keystrokes per hour. A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred, along with a background in medical terminology and production environments.

high school
Communication
Flexibility
MS Office
Leadership
Interpersonal skills
Problem solving
Time management
Data entry
Safety compliance
Medical terminology
Specimen processing
Microbiology processing
Production environment
Test ordering policy
Cytology processing

Benefits

Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Medical insurance
Paid holidays
401(k) with company match
Life insurance
Well-being programs
Disability insurance
Vacation time
Education assistance
Flexible spending accounts
Employee stock purchase plan
Mental health program
Financial coaching
Health assessment program
Annual incentive plans
Matching gifts program

Posting details

Employment type: Full Time
Work arrangement: On Site
Experience: 0-2 yrs
Salary: $17 - $25/hr
Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Posted: Aug 14, 2026
Application: Employer website

Tennessee lab assistant roles stay steady

In Tennessee, Lab Assistant and Specimen Technician III roles are typically driven by ongoing clinical testing volume, so employers look for reliable throughput and careful handling in a biohazard setting. This role is competitive because it combines a high school diploma with fast data entry, prior specimen-processing experience for internal candidates, and a preferred medical or production background for external applicants. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your keystroke speed and highlight any lab, production, or data-entry experience in your application.